The Student Senate is now accepting applications for the Spring Senate Elections. Students who are enrolled in 6 degree-credits at Madison College with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher can run for president, vice president or senator. Applications can be filled out on Wolf Pack Connect and must be completed by March 9 at 12 p.m.
Student Program Advisor Cole Kallio-Crotteau said, “Student Senate is the voice of the students. Student Senate actively participates in Madison College’s shared governance process and amplifies the voices of the students both in their praises and in the concerns that they raise.”
According to the Madison College Student Handbook, past accomplishments include: creating the rental textbook program, campus food cupboard and commuter service program. They also coordinated referendums that included: textbook affordability, fitness center access, health clinic access, transportation and parking services.
“Joining your Student Senate is a great way to build leadership skills, make an impact in your community, and gain experience in shared governance. Your new ideas can help your peers and create positive change,” said Student Senator Annette Crowder.
If students would like to participate in the Student Senate but do not have the time to commit to the elected roles or if they are taking less than six credits, there are four standing committees that they can be a part of. The standing committees are open to all students at Madison College. To join them, you can reach out to Student Senate Advisor Cole Kallio-Crotteau or the Student Senate President Kai Brito.
Crowder provided the following tips for students who are interested in running for Student Senate:

• Understand the structure: Research how your student government works and attend meetings to see it in action.
• Build your network: Connect current senators and senate advisor.
• Engage actively: Volunteer for senate committees or attend a senate meeting or a senate sponsored event (i.e. Town Hall).
• Prepare to run: Tell fellow students why you are running and why you want them to vote for you develop a straightforward platform.
• Balance your priorities: Remember that your studies come first and use available resources to succeed academically.

The Student Senate meetings are recorded and available on WolfPack Connect. Student Senate meetings are held every Thursday in Truax Room B1260H and virtually on Microsoft Teams from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.